I feel the need to weigh in after reading all of the various oil threads
concerning different groups or synthetics, PTFE et al.  I have owned my  1990
Westy for 6 yrs. and 131,000 miles. I am not sure how the previous three  owners
approached oil change intervals, the type of oil and filter that was  used. I
assumed that they may have taken oil/filter changes seriously based on  other
areas of upkeep of the van but assumed abuse and neglect. First, I drained
the oil, replaced the filter and added new oil including 1 Qt. of Gunk  motor
flush (mostly kerosene?)following directions(ran about 30 mins. up to  temp.)
and replaced the oil and filter (factory Mahle/Mann). I had very  little
sludge/deposits after this and considered this good news as I have had  quite a bit
of sludge deposits removed when doing this with other engines. I  then ran one
cycle with another filter and conventional oil and then  switched to Amsoil
full synthetic ( I had been given 5 gallons of the  correct weight for my van by
a good friend-make that great friend!). Again, I  always used the factory oil
filter only and later switched over to Mobil 1. The  original engine made it
to 178,000 miles before needing a complete rebuild (you  can't change your
vehicle's history and PO abuse/neglect). Jewel at the Bug Shop  in Blacksburg,
Va. did a superb job with the rebuild (plugola lamp now lit) and  I ran 4 cycles
of conventional oil @ 3,000 mi. intervals to allow for  conventional oil
rings to fully seat. I then went back to Mobil 1 and  followed some very wise and
economical advice to make it more affordable. My  uncle is in charge of the
fleet at Cox Communications that is all Ford vans and  his recommendation was to
run synthetic for 6K and replace the filter every 3K.  Most of their fleet is
over 200,000 miles when they are sold and none have had  any oil related
engine failures. This has worked for me and my vehicle now has  236,000+ miles and
uses no oil whatsoever-and no leaks. That's almost 60k on the  rebuild and no
leaks that used to be so commonly associated with the first  generation on
synthetics.  The cost of going this route still is only  slightly higher than
conventional oil at the same intervals and still is  changing the oil out at 6K
vs. the 15K (I think) that Mobil 1 claims to be good  for. I believe frequent
oil changes and using the factory filter (bought in  bulk via Ebay deals) is
the cheapest insurance to insure  longevity of our vanagon engines. Mine is a
daily driver and also used for  long vacation/camping trips as well. Maybe
others on the list have a better  solution. This is what works for me-no rod
knocks, bearing noises or valve  smoke. Mine starts well down to the lowest temps
in my area (-5 f.) and I  never have an oil pressure light or buzzer. Long live
the 2.1 engine-keep it all  stock and healthy. Oil is your engines blood and
blood is life.

David Clarkson
1990 Westy 236K
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